Fothad I facts for kids

Fothad I was an important religious leader in early Scotland. He is believed to have been a bishop during the 900s. Bishops were high-ranking church officials. They oversaw religious matters in a specific area. Fothad is sometimes called the "Bishop of the Scots." However, there is some debate about his exact role and where he served.

Who Was Fothad I?

Fothad I lived in the 10th century. He is known to have been a bishop during the time of King Dub mac Maíl Coluim. King Dub ruled Scotland between 962 and 967.

Historical records help us learn about Fothad. One important record is the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba. This chronicle mentions Fothad's death during King Dub's reign. Another source, the Annals of the Four Masters, also supports this date. It states that Fothad died in the year 963.

According to the Annals of the Four Masters, Fothad was called "Fothad, son of Bran." He was also described as a "scribe and bishop of the islands of Scotland." A scribe was someone who copied books and documents by hand. This description suggests he was a very educated person.

Bishop of St. Andrews?

There is some discussion about whether Fothad was truly the Bishop of St. Andrews. St. Andrews was a very important religious center in Scotland.

Later historical writers, like Walter Bower and Andrew of Wyntoun, listed Fothad as a Bishop of St. Andrews. These writers lived much later, in the 15th century. No older records from before the 15th century actually confirm this. This means it is not certain if he was indeed the Bishop of St. Andrews.

The description of him as "bishop of the islands of Scotland" is interesting. It could mean he was a bishop in a different area. Perhaps he was a bishop in the western parts of Scotland. This might include places like Iona, which was also a very important religious island.

Fothad's Expulsion

Walter Bower's writings give us more clues about Fothad. Bower wrote that Fothad "was driven out by King Indolff." King Indolff, also known as King Idulb mac Causantín, ruled from 954 to 962.

Bower also said that Fothad lived for eight years after being expelled. If Fothad died in 963, and he lived eight years after being driven out, this means he was expelled around 955.

It is possible that after his expulsion from St. Andrews, Fothad moved. He might have continued his work as a bishop in the islands of Scotland. This would fit with the description in the Annals of the Four Masters. However, this is just a guess based on the available information.

Fothad's story shows us how historians piece together the past. They use different records and try to understand what happened long ago.